He's Me…But Different

A/N: First off I just wanted to give a sympathetic and supportive shout-out to anyone in the Florida Panhandle right now. I'm in Middle Georgia so we didn't get hit nearly as bad as ya'll did but even 85mph winds caused a lot of damage. I used to live in SWFL and it got pretty bad there a few times so I feel your pain my friends. Sorry this is a bit late but I twisted my ankle Friday working on cleaning up after the storm and it's STILL killing me if I don't keep it propped up and iced every hour or so. I don't have a laptop so trying to write in between bouts of elevate/ice is difficult.

Secondly…Poor dean…he's been out almost 9 months, nearly died, and now he just seems…kind of lost…like a puppy who was taken away from his family and then brought back but they moved on without him and now he doesn't know how he fits in anymore.

I'm trying something different with the Dialogue and putting the name in front of each quote…maybe it'll work maybe not…let me know what you think please?

Chapter 3 – Concern and Triumph

Roman, "Feel better today Uce?"

Dean, "Yeah…sorry about last night…I was just…ya know…pissed off…"

Jon, "He wasn't mad at you two…he was mad at himself for losin to McIntyre. It's kind of how we've always been…something goes wrong and we just seethe and stew and eventually one of us drags it outta the other…which…ya know…usually ends in a fight."

Seth, "So…we're good now?"

Dean, "Yeah Seth…we're good little bro."

Seth, "Thank god…can we go to Crossfit now?"

The other three all rolled their eyes at Seth and his obsession with Crossfit…but they ended up going anyway because they did need to work out regardless of where they went. Jon was finding Seth and his needling of Dean to be endlessly amusing and occasionally the two of them would gang up on Dean with the teasing…and sometimes they ganged up on him instead. Roman usually ignored them unless they started getting a little too heated, then he'd step in and play the big brother role to keep the peace.

On the next Raw Dean and Jon were running a bit late thanks to Jon having had to go back to Cincinnati for a check-up and Dean insisting on going with him. They had flown out the morning before and flown back this afternoon so they were just a little bit behind schedule. Roman and Seth were backstage watching the so-called "Dogs of War" start off the night down in the ring, but Jon was on the phone with Seth and had it on speaker so he and Dean could hear every word the men in the ring were saying.

Dolph, "You are looking at the greatest three man group in WWE history."

Drew, "And you know what? We didn't need a catchy nickname, or matching tactical vests to prove it either."

Braun, "We proved it last week against the Shield…and we'll prove it anytime, anyplace, against anyone."

Dolph, "Hey Hey, just in case you forgot, I mean…we didn't but…if you did…check this out."

At Dolph's words a video package shown from previous week where Dean lost to Drew and then walked out with Jon following him, it even includes after-show interview clip where Dean speaks of maybe not fitting in anywhere anymore and the twins walking out of the building.

Drew, "I hate to say, I told you so…but I told you so. We didn't just beat the Shield last week…we broke the Shield. I can only imagine where that Lunatic's mind's at right now trying to figure out where he fits into that selfish agenda known as the Shield. That's right…that's right…Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, they're the only ones that ever benefitted from that relationship. They had no use for Dean or his twin Jon. We have been telling you the truth for weeks now, and finally you all have opened your eyes…finally Dean Ambrose's eyes have been pried open…and finally the Shield have been shattered."

Braun, "And at this rate the Shield's not gonna be around to watch Roman's back when I slay the Beast and dismantle the Big Dog all on my way to becoming Universal Champion at Grown Jewel."

Drew, "Speaking of Crown Jewel, we have the WWE World Cup. Tonight, after I beat Seth Rollins in my qualifying match I advance to the next round, mow through the competition, and I prove to every single person around here, I am the absolute best in this world."

Dolph, "Whoa there, easy, easy Drew…you're great but I also have a qualifying match this evening with the Lunatic Dean Ambrose…and after I win, I mean…maybe we might…go head to head in the finals."

Drew, "And that would be a shame…because as good as you are Dolph…and you are absolutely fantastic…buddy, you're no Drew McIntyre."

Dolph, "I…I tend to agree a little bit there…I mean I am the most consistent superstar in WWE history, check the dates, it's no big deal, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it…we'll get to it…we're on our way to that."

Braun, "As good as both of you are…at WWE crown jewel…Lesnar and Roman are both…gonna get these hands."

Dean tells Roman and Seth to go out there and shoot them down while he and Jon park and head inside. Dean and Jon share a look as they head inside and they silently agree on an unspoken plan to throw off the "Dogs of war."

Seth, "Gentlemen I've got some bad news for you…the Shield…we're not shattered…we're not broken…the Shield…is alive…and…well. We're back there listening to you guys yap on and on and on about who the best in the world is…oh man…I got news for you Drew…news for you Dolph…Drew, when I beat you tonight in our qualifying match…I'm gonna prove to you what the rest of the world already knows…Seth Rollins…is the best…in the world."

Dolph, "Wow what a great speech…ladies and gentlemen…two thirds of the shield...but…where's your brother…your brother Dean Ambrose? For that matter…where's his twin at? I know you two ego maniacs don't really care where they are…and he shoved ya and walked off…and he finally opened his eyes to the things we've been saying for weeks and months and everybody in this arena knows…that's no big deal. I know you don't care that he's here…I don't care if he shows up either, I'll take a forfeit when I advance to the finals…"

Seth, "Ah shut up, shut up Dolph…you're not taking a forfeit…Look I know you guys don't know Dean all that well, but we know him real well and he runs on Ambrose time…which means he shows up when he wants to show up, does what HE wants to do…the bottom line is…Ambrose always shows up…and where Dean is…so is Jon."

Roman, "The funny part is…you're worried about Dean…when you should be worried about these titles. Let me take that back…Dolph and Drew, you're never getting close to these titles and Braun…at crown jewel well…after that you're goin to the back of the line."

Seth, "Ya know…I've always liked Philadelphia. You know why I've always liked Philadelphia? Yes, the cheesesteaks are fantastic…but I love Philly cuz Philly's a fightin town! McIntyre…since you're out here, and I'm out here…I say we have our qualifying match right here, right now!"

As the fight between Seth and Drew begins Roman makes his way back to the locker room where Dean and Jon are changing out of their traveling clothes while listening to the commentary of the match. Renee's comment about Dean needing a GPS on him has Jon nearly in tears from laughing while Dean grumbles about what he'll do to them if any of them actually try it.

At one point during the match Drew pulls up the apron cover to expose the steel girders underneath, intending to drive Seth's face into it, but Seth evades this. Dolph comes down and distracts Seth while Drew slides under the ring and then yanks Seth's shoulder into the steel. Later in the match Seth runs to the ropes to set up for his curb stomp but Dolph pulls the top rope down so Seth flies over it and out onto the ground.

Dean's had enough at this point and his music plays so Dolph faces the ramp to see Jon come out onto the stage with a cheeky little grin…only to have Dean ambush Dolph from behind. Drew takes Dean down but Seth lands his curb stomp on Drew to take him out as Jon storms down the ramp and stands beside his fallen twin, helping back to his feet. Seth barely makes it back into the ring to beat the count but Drew doesn't and is counted out making Seth the winner. Dean and Jon roll into the ring and look down at Drew and Dolph on the floor outside, almost daring them to try anything else, as Seth struggles to his feet behind them. The three men share a hug and Seth looks like he's asking Dean a question and Dean's response makes Seth laugh. Jon lightly taps both of their chests and motions to the ramp with his head so they all roll out of the ring and head backstage where they meet up with Roman and head down the hall towards their locker room, not even paying attention to the camera in front of them.

Seth, "Don't worry about it man, I knew he'd show up. He's on Lunatic time and all that but he always shows up on Lunatic time man. That's good, Island time, lunatic time…"

Dean, "What'd you call me?"

Seth, "I didn't call you nuthin man…"

Dean, "Lunatic…really?"

Seth, "You know I didn't mean it like that…"

Dean, "That's all I am to you guys right? I'm just good for a few laughs right? I'm a real riot…until you guys need bailin out…"

Seth, "That's not what I meant…"

Dean, "I know what you meant…I got my own mess to worry about."

Seth, "It's not like that."

Jon, "Dean…enough. I know you're stressed and worried about me but you need to chill out and not take it out on these two alright?"

Dean, "I can't help it Jon…I almost lost you once…and one wrong hit could make it happen all over again damnit."

Jon, "Look at me. Do I look weak? Do I look worried? No, I don't. Wrestling is our life, it's all we've ever wanted…and I ain't gonna stop now just because a Doc gets nervous. I know my body better than they do Dean. I'm fine."

Seth and Roman both look extremely confused as Dean walks away from them once again but Jon just shakes his head and explains to them what the Doctor had said the day before.

Jon, "Doc said if I take a really hard hit to the head again it could send me back into a coma…but like I told Dean…I ain't gonna quit doin what I love. Not until I physically can't do it any longer. Dean's worryin of course, and he's lettin it fester as usual."

Seth, "That explains the snappy attitude then. You sure you're alright though Jon?"

Jon, "I'm fine Seth. No worries."

Seth and Roman give him skeptical looks but they trust him to know his own limitations, Dean does as well but this is his twin so he worries.

Another video package showing the return of DX announcement by triple H and Shawn the previous week is shown…and then a darkened hallway leads to the boiler room of the arena and everyone sees Taker and Kane walk out of the steamy shadows. The two talk about how DX was reunited on a bed of lies, how Shawn stayed away out of fear and not respect…and how Triple H may have won a battle in Australia but he started a war that would end at Crown Jewel. Taker finishes by telling them to Rest in Peace and rolls his eyes back before the camera fades to black.

Jon's eyes are bugging out and it makes Seth start laughing at him and teasing him about having a fanboy moment over the Undertaker. Jon just flips him off and puts him in a headlock while Roman laughs at them both.

Ember Moon and Nia Jax defeat Dana Brook and a newly returned Tamina but after the match it becomes chaos in the ring as Nia and Tamina shove Ember to the side then Ember and Tamina toss Nia out of the ring. Ember tries to send Tamina over the top rope but fails so Tamina tries to push her over while Ember tries to pull her over…and then Dana comes up and pushes them both over.

After that match ends yet another video package is shown of the Bellas betraying Ronda the previous week and then Ronda comes out to speak out about the betrayal. She calls the Bellas out to give her an explanation but they say they don't owe her one. Nikki actually calls Ronda a loser who doesn't deserve to be there and Jon can't help but think "so much for WWE's anti-bullying campaign". Ronda fires back at them, calling them the embodiment of a stereotype and saying there were only there for the cameras…which Jon privately thought seemed to be pretty true. She says they leeched off of the names of their men, plagiarized and diluted their move sets…and even compares them to Smallpox needing to be eradicated. Jon and Seth share a look of amazement when Ronda tells Nikki, "The only door you ever knocked down was the door to John Cena's bedroom…and he eventually threw you out of that exact same door." The Bellas bring out their security team to keep Ronda away from them…that fails, but the Bellas escape to the back. Jon and Seth start laughing as Dean comes back over to join them and asks what he missed, so Jon fills him in and then he's laughing too.

Dean, "About time one of the ladies here took those two down a notch. They think they're hot shit but honestly…they're not that interesting."

Kurt's return the previous week is shown with the whole Conquistador thing, and then Kurt is seen backstage talking to several superstars before Corbin tells him he's arranged for him to have a handicap match against AOP that night.

Dean's match against Dolph is the next one up and Dean strolls out onto the stage as his music plays, heading down the ramp and into the ring. Dolph comes out next and the match begins, going back and forth constantly. Dean climbs to the top rope but Dolph climbs up after him and pulls him off to slam him into the mat hard but seems to hurt his own knees in the process. When Dolph goes for a super kick Dean grabs his legs and slingshots him into the post where he just hangs for a bit. Dean unloads one vicious move after another on Dolph until finally locking him into a submission only to have him grab the bottom rope to force a break. Dean nearly pins Dolph but he kicks out at the last second so Dean goes to the top rope again but Dolph follows only to be thrown off and land on his knee. While the Referee is distracted by Dolph Drew comes out and gets onto the apron to attack Dean so Seth and Jon come out and yank Drew off the apron but Drew turns around and kicks Jon hard so he hits the ground. Dean is still perched on the top rope as he looks between Dolph in the ring, and where Seth fighting Drew near his feet outside the ring…and chooses to drop an elbow on Drew to save Seth and his twin. Seth tries to help Dean to his feet only to get shoved back onto his ass, though Dean seemed to be unaware that it was Seth which Jon tries to tell Seth as they help each other to their feet. Dean rolls back into the ring only to run face first into a super kick by Dolph who then pins him for the win.

Drew helps Dolph out of the ring and up the ramp while Dean is just lying in the ring looking fairly devastated. Seth slowly climbs into the ring and stands over Dean with his hands on his hips while Jon comes in behind him and starts trying to get Dean back to his feet. When Dean gets up Seth gets in his face a bit and asks him what his problem is…this doesn't go over well and Dean shoves past him to leave the ring. Jon follows Dean up the ramp as Seth rolls out of the ring and storms up after them, starting a shoving and shouting match between him and Dean until Roman shoves his way between them and tries to calm them both down. When Corbin comes out and faces the trio Jon groans and steps up to Dean's side, between him and the other two as a show of force.

Corbin, "Come on guys, are you still having problems? Look, the last thing I want is the Shield to dissolve on my watch. So you know what…I'm gonna give you guys a chance to fix your problems and redeem yourselves in a rematch from last week. It'll be the Shield versus Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, and Braun Strowman tonight."

Corbin looks so smug and proud of himself while the boys look decidedly unimpressed. Dean says "I'm Done" and walks backstage with Jon on his heels while Seth and Roman give Corbin looks that could kill.

Finn Balor goes out with Bayley to face Jinder Mahal with Alicia Fox and the Singh brothers in his corner. The second brother having finally returned from his injury. Finn hits the coup-de-gra for the win but then Bobby Lashley and his little sidekick mouthpiece come out and interrupt before he and Bayley can even celebrate the win. Lio Rush runs his mouth singing Bobby's praises and annoying the universe before Bobby beats Tyler Breeze in a very short match.

Dean, "Rush is like a pimple on the end of your nose the morning of a big event…irritating and impossible to overlook."

Jon, "That Lashley guy's got tits bigger than half the women I've slept with…"

Roman, "Jesus Jon…was that really necessary?"

Seth was choking on his laughter as Roman attempted to reprimand Jon but the man clearly had no remorse whatsoever, especially with Dean and Seth egging him on. A pair of small arms wrapped around Jon's middle from behind and then a small body was hanging off his back and giggling in his ear.

Jon, "Well hey there Bubblegum. Comfy back there?"

Liv, "Yep…how did the Doctor visit go yesterday?"

Liv slid off Jon's back and moved around to stand in front of him, looking up slightly as he was a bit taller than her. Jon's hands come to rest on her upper arms, rubbing gently as though trying to keep her calm.

Jon, "Mostly good…I'm all healed and all…but he said if I get hit really hard in the head again it could send me back into the coma."

Liv, "Does that mean you have to leave wrestling?"

Jon, "Hell no Bubblegum. I ain't quittin till I'm physically unable to wrestle anymore."

Liv, "But what if…?"

Jon, "Nope…don't even start the what if game Bubblegum. I'm fine…and I'm stayin. Now…what are you three lovely ladies up to tonight?"

Liv, "You'll see, Handsome."

"Jon, "Hey Liv?"

Liv, "Yeah Jon?"

Jon, "You want to make this thing official and be my girl?"

Liv, "I'd love to. See you later Handsome."

As Liv swayed her hips while walking off with her friends Jon's eyes were glued to her backside. Dean and Seth started teasing him about it but he wasn't even paying attention to them and the big grin on his face looked like it wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Roman ruffled Jon's hair and got the other two to turn their attention off of Jon and onto the TV instead.

Trish Stratus and Lita come out to the ring together and Lita starts talking but is quickly interrupted by Alexa and her buddy Mickie James as they come out to trash talk the two Hall of Famers. When Trish and Lita challenge them Alexa and Mickie tuck tail and run away as always.

Dean, "Well that was pathetic…"

Seth, "Yeah…the 'goddess' doesn't seem to be very fierce lately."

Jon, "More like a coward refusing to face the shit she got herself into."

AOP heads out to the ring to face Kurt Angle, dressed as the conquistador, while Corbin sits on the stage to watch. After they decimate him Drake Maverick realizes something is off and has his boys remove the mask to find it's not Angle, then Angle attacks Corbin from behind and puts him in an angle slam on the stage.

Seth, "Thank god Angle's back…hopefully he'll be back in power soon because Corbin is really getting on my last nerve man."

The other three nod their agreement as they watch on the screen while the Riott Squad is shown smearing ketchup and mustard on Natalya's locker room door and tearing the sign off of it. Jon is snorting loudly at their complete lack of respect for a legend they feel is stealing the spotlight of those who are trying to make their mark in the business.

The match between the Riott Squad's Ruby Riott and Natalya with Bayley and Sasha Banks in her corner begins. Natalya wins by DQ after Riott Squad interferes and gangs up on her, but they get their butts kicked by Sasha and Bayley and end up retreating backstage. Ruby looks angry at the loss to them but Liv kind of throws herself into Jon's arms, her frustration at constantly being beaten down manifesting in the form of little tears. She's not fully crying but there are tears in her eyes trying to escape. Jon's thumbs brush them away and then he gets this wicked little grin on his lips before he starts tickling Liv's sides. She ends up squealing and trying to smack his hands away while her friend's laugh and jokingly try to 'rescue' her from her new boyfriend. None of them realize a camera was showing the entire encounter to the audience up on the big screen, not that they would have cared at all.

Elias comes out to do his song and gets interrupted by Apollo Crews who ends up kicking his butt, which leaves a lot of people in the back laughing and cheering.

Then it's time for the main event as the Dogs of War head out to the ring together, seemingly back on the same page for the moment after having a big argument earlier in the night. The shield comes down the stairs through the fans and stalk to the front of the ring where they pause as Roman says something to Dean and Seth before they all climb up into the ring. Dean and Jon hop out first and Roman nods his agreement for Seth to start the match before climbing out himself…meanwhile Braun is yelling at Dolph to start the match and show him something.

Seth and Dean quickly prove to be back on the same wavelength as Seth slams Dolph into the mat, tags Dean in, Dean does a knee-slide clothesline, Seth pulls an elbow drop and then Dean does the same before going for a pin. Dean tags Seth and they do a double clothesline on Dolph, then go after his knee. Seth goes after the knee a second time as Dean goes to leave the ring only to have Dolph kick him back into Dean who runs into Jon and then gets in Seth's face. Dean and Seth nearly start going at it but Roman tags himself in and stands between them both while Jon on the outside of the ropes tries to get Dean to chill out. Roman tries to calm them both down but Braun runs into them knocking Seth and Dean clear out of the ring, with Dean taking Jon down with him, and sending Roman right into a move by Dolph who goes for the pin only to have Roman kick out.

Drew gets tagged in and takes control of Roman for a bit but Roman starts to rally only to get a kick in the chest from Dolph after he tags in…Dean is nearly climbing over the top rope to try and get at Dolph but the Ref notices and backs him off, with Jon hanging onto the back of Dean's pants to keep him grounded, much to Seth's amusement. Braun and Drew start having a tag off as they tag themselves in over and over to try and outdo each other. Braun tries to run at Roman in the corner but Roman gives him a boot to the face then tries to lift him up but can't so Braun runs at him again and he moves so Braun slams into the post shoulder first, this time Roman gets him up on his shoulders and pulls a Samoan drop…barely.

Dolph and Drew, cheating as always, run through the ring to knock Seth and Dean off before running back to their corner of the ring. Dolph tags in then tags Drew in as they both go after Roman. The two hit the Zig-Zag and Claymore Kick combo and Drew goes for the pin only to have Jon slide in and break it up. Drew climbs to the top of the corner to jump down on Roman but jumps right into a massive uppercut that gives Roman time to tag in Seth. Seth uses the top rope as a Launchpad to land on Drew then points at Dean before doing a ninja roll into their corner to tag him in. The two of them pull three double clotheslines on Drew, the third sending him out of the ring entirely. Braun comes in after them only to get sent out through the ropes on the other side of the ring while Jon pulls the top rope down to make it easier. Dean and Seth suicide dive out to take down Drew and Dolph then roll Drew back into the ring. They realize Braun is still on his feet so Dean and Jon go for a suicide dive on him only to get caught by their throats, but then Roman flies off the steps and delivers a superman punch to free them. Dean climbs the corner to launch at Drew but lands into a kick to his stomach. Drew tries to pin him but Dean reverses it into a Jack-knife pin only to have Dolph break it up. Seth comes in and throws Dolph out but Drew grabs Seth by the hair so Jon kicks Drew in the face. Dean grabs Drew and pulls him into a Dirty Deeds and goes for the pin but Dolph throws Seth into Dean to break it so Jon rolls out of the ring and throws Dolph into the barricade. Dolph lands a super kick to the side of Jon's head and he hits the ground.

Dean and Seth get into it yet again and Dolph shoves Dean into Seth then pulls a Zig-Zag on Dean to try and get the pin but Dean kicks out in the nick of time. Dolph and Drew start to go for their dual move on Dean but roman superman punches each of them. Braun grabs Roman and tries to slam him into the mat but Roman wiggles free and Braun slams his shoulder hard into the post, and the Drew goes after Roman but Roman moves so Drew slams into Braun and sends him out of the ring. Roman spears Drew and Dolph tries to Zig-Zag Roman from behind only to get thrown off into the waiting arms of Seth and Dean who set him up for a triple power-bomb…which they hit and Dean pins Dolph for the win.

Seth and Dean both hit their knees for a breather as Roman pats Seth's Shoulder and then rubs Dean's head, who then stands up to hug Roman. Seth rolls out first followed by Dean and then Roman, who grabs his and Seth's titles. Dean is clearly fired up as they start to head up the ramp with Seth laughing at his antics before rubbing his head affectionately as well. Dean stops and turns back when he realizes Roman isn't behind them and feels his heart drop to his feet when he sees Roman kneeling next to Jon who's holding onto his head. Dean races back down the ramp and falls to his knees beside his twin, clearly trying not to panic. Jon struggles back to his feet with Roman and Dean's help, then Seth and Dean are on either side of him helping him up the ramp and back to the medical room to get checked out.

Strowman is clearly angry about the loss and he grabs Dolph by his hair, dragging him up while yelling in his face before he power slams Dolph into the mat hard…only to turn around into a Claymore kick by Drew who then rolls out of the ring and up the ramp clearly not bothered by what he just did.

Backstage Liv races into the medical room, clearly upset by what she saw on the screen, and wraps her arms around Jon's waist while pressing her face against his chest. His arms wrap around her and he speaks softly to her and Dean, who is hugging his shoulders from behind. Seth, Roman, Ruby, and Sarah are standing against the wall watching with their own worry clear on their faces.

Jon, "Hey…come on you two…I'm not dying. I just got kicked in the head…I'm fine. Doc here said so. Not even a concussion…juts got a bit dizzy for a bit is all."

Dean, "I turned around to see you on the ground grabbing your head Jon…I swear to god I thought my heart stopped again."

Jon, "I'm alright Dean…relax brother. As for you, Bubblegum…you and I are goin out tonight…just you and me…anywhere ya want to go."

Liv, "Can't we just have a night in…just watch movies and eat popcorn and cuddle?"

Jon, "If that's what you want Bubblegum then that's what we'll do."

Liv's happy smile made Jon grin in return, dimples on full display which made her coo at how adorable they were…which then had Dean and Seth doubling over with laughter. Renee soon joined them, asking Jon if he was alright and nodding at his reassurance that he was fine. Eventually they all made it back to the hotel and went their separate ways for the night. That night they divided the sleeping arrangements into Ruby and Sarah, Roman and Seth, Dean and Renee, and then Jon and Liv. True to his word Jon watched a movie with Liv, her choice, and they ate popcorn and joked around before falling asleep together with Liv's head pillowed on Jon's chest and his arms wrapped around her. This was how Dean and Renee found them the next morning when they went to check on them and then silently left the room and told the rest to leave them alone until they came out on their own.

A/N: So there we have the next chapter, hope you liked it. Jon did not have a solo match in this one because I couldn't figure out where to put one in or who to have him go against but I think I have an idea for the next chapter if I can figure out the right spot next week to put it in lol. Let me know what you think of the chapter and my dialogue format.